Openings and Closings in Houston: An Unusual Seafood Option in River Oaks

Saltair Seafood Kitchen at 3029 Kirby is open for business, with an unusual taste aesthetic for a Gulf Coast seafood joint. Greg Morago at the Houston Chronicleexplored the menu and found its fresh fare reminiscent of the cuisine of Southern California, with elements of Asian, Mediterranean and other flavors. Be sure to check out the grilled octopus with chimichurri or the French onion dip with caviar. Saltair is brought to you by the same group that created Ibiza, Brasserie 19 and more.

French café Flo Paris opens this week at 5757 Westheimer with made-from-scratch French food and light bites, including crepes and baguettes, according to Eric Sandler at CultureMap. Florelle and Rabih Salibi decided to open the café after moving here from Paris and, upon finding a lack of authentic French food in Houston, they enlisted the help of pastry chef Dany Srour and chef Phillipe Schmidt of Drexel House. Salibi has so much confidence in Srour's confections that he's already begun eyeing competitors in that market, and he's only found one: Common Bond.

Sandler brings us more good news and says that Welsey Jurena, the former Army Ranger who's now known for Pappa Charlies Barbecue, has signed a lease on a new, brick-and-mortar location in EaDo at 2012 Rusk. The location was formerly the home of Japon Sushi, but, with two Pitmaker smokers to be added soon, it will become filled with the smell of smoked brisket, ribs, tri tip, and much more. The lunch menu should be regular fare for Pappa Charlies customers, but Jurena is still playing around with ideas for the dinner menu.

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Nash D'Amico of the popular D'Amico's Italian Market Café in the Village has a 24-flavor gelato and coffee place coming soon in CityCentre at 794 Sorella; Fellini Gelato & Caffee should be ready for business in August. D'Amico is already discussing other Fellini locations in Rice Village and downtown Houston, according to Cara Smith at the Houston Business Journal. The project is a collaborative effort between D'Amico, his daughter, and the owners of Fellini Cafe at 5211 Kelvin, also in Rice Village.

Cypress' darling burger joint The Shack opened a second location this week at 12170 Telge, and Shawn Arrajj at Community Impact writes that the new site will be much like the first, with outdoor seating, a play area for children (plus a fire truck) and a vast array of themed food trucks operated by The Shack. Owner Joe Duong hopes to host live music, festivals, water slides, farmers' markets and more in the space soon.

If you're looking for a fast and cheap sandwich option in The Woodlands, there's a new Jersey Mike's location now open at 3091 College Park. It's the third franchise opened by Katharine and Dallas Brown, according to The Woodlands Villager. There's a grand opening celebration happening through July 19 to benefit several local charities, so be sure to swing in and get a sub featuring freshly-sliced deli meats.

There's also a new Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers coming to 1111 North Dairy Ashford in the former Lucky Village spot, which was razed last year, says Swamplot. Construction is just beginning on the Freddy's, located in the Energy Corridor, with no word yet on when it will be ready to meet your custard-y needs.